brunch Archives | FoodFash

The Ultimate Bloody Mary {Seriously}

August 26, 2015 by Kristin

I’m asked often why I started FoodFash. The truth is, there’s a variety of reasons and the reason or reasons I choose to share are completely dependent on the audience and whether or not I want the conversation to continue. But what I’m going to share with you now, and I promise this is going to segue into the beauty of a bloody mary pictured above, is one of the reasons why I continue to create. And it’s because I’m fastidious. And as much as I enjoy new life experiences, I enjoy making them my own even more.

Last weekend, I ordered the most ridiculous bloody mary ever. It was 40 dollars worth of out-of-control. Sure it had some usual suspects like bacon and peppers. But it was also topped with sushi, pork belly, a grilled cheese, and the list goes on. And though I wouldn’t have traded the experience for any other {it’s what led me to create this post,} it was of the most disgusting bloody marys I’ve ever tasted. The mix was sweet, the toppers were heavy, the portion was nap-inducing – it was unfinishable. I knew could do better. And I did.

The recipe below is for the bloody mary of my dreams: light, not sweet {at all}, slightly spicy, and a solid horseradish kick. I don’t want to feel sick ever, but especially after a brunch cocktail. And I want enough damn toppings to last through the entire drink!

Suggested toppers:

Bacon!
Shrimp
Smoked Oysters
Pickled Okra
Pickled Asparagus
Giant Spanish Olives
Cornichons ({pickles}
Maldon salt {for rim}

P.S. Celery to a bloody mary is like honeydew to a fruit salad – nobody wants it.

Homemade Dr. Praeger’s Spinach Cakes

January 12, 2015 by Kristin

While diving back into Pinterest land for bedroom inspiration, I allowed myself the more-than-occasional food pin distraction. And during one of these food tangents, I was drawn to a pin showing a stack of spinach pancakes. I clicked on it, secretly hoping the post would outline a homemade recipe for Dr. Praeger’s spinach cakes {one of my favorite freezer staples}. And it did!

I really liked Meg of Veggie Staple’s recipe, but knew immediately that I wanted to try a few things differently. Like more spinach {puréed} and turnips in place of potatoes.

The turnip version yielded a lower carb, lower calorie, higher calcium-containing cake. And puréeing the spinach made for the most vibrant cake in all of the land! I’ve enjoyed them solo as a quick snack or topped with an egg for a nutrient-dense breakfast.

Turnips have a slight bitterness, so if you’re not a turnip fan, try replacing half of the turnips in this recipe with a white or sweet potato.

FoodFash’s Favorite Brunch Spot

December 8, 2014 by Kristin

There are two things that FoodFash doesn’t particularly enjoy: restaurant reviews and committing to a single favorite. For reasons as simple as food is personal, company kept is critical to a dining experience, and I can {sometimes} be fickle – reviews and a single favorite are just not typical FoodFash offerings.

But today, as I sit here looking through my Instagram library, I can’t help but notice I have a clear favorite in the brunch department. Josephine House has become my go-to spot, and here’s why:

– I rarely order the same thing twice. This is a huge feat for a restaurant, to get me out of a dish rut. If I really, really love a dish, I’m most likely going to order it every time.

– The dishes are unique. Forget your typical eggs benedict, shrimp & grits, and pancakes, Josephine House’s menu is full of dishes that you’ll only find at Josephine House. Check out the menu! It’s creative and adventurous and I never leave thinking “I could have made this better at home”.

– Cucumber gimlet. Theirs is of the best I’ve had and they never flinch at my off-menu order.

– Ambiance. Whether seated indoors or out, I feel like I’m on vacation whenever I arrive. Maybe this is why I bring every visitor that comes my way to brunch here?

– Location. It’s a mere three blocks from my house and I love walking through my neighborhood and arriving at such an adorable spot.

As far as FoodFash dish recommendations go, I’ll always order something savory and egg-topped. I’ve been digging their grit-equivalent dishes {polenta in the middle picture and farro in the bottom picture}. And the steak and eggs is definitely worthy of being a rotating regular.

Shrimp & Grits For 2

November 19, 2014 by Kristin

I woke up over the weekend with a massive craving for homemade breakfast. Homemade waffles to be exact. But when I went into the kitchen, I realized I used up the last of the coconut milk and waffles just weren’t in the cards. And it was freezing outside, so going to the store just wasn’t an option.

But what I did have was all of the ingredients for shrimp and grits {super odd, right?}. So never having made shrimp and grits before, I mixed and stirred until I had myself a warm breakfast that was way more delish than I could have ever anticipated. I posted a proud picture on Instagram and thought about one thing that would transform this already fab dish into something amazing – lobster stock.

And I was right. Lobster stock was a game changer. The grits were creamy and complex without feeling heavy like restaurant grits {filled with milk and cheese} and they balanced perfectly with simple shrimp and eggs.